No-Talk Therapy for Children and Adolescents. - book reviews

Adolescence,  Summer, 1999  

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STRAUS, Martha B. New York: W. W. Norton, 1999. 240pp. $27.00 (h).

Weaving practical, hands-on ideas with theory and research about child development, child treatment, and the therapeutic relationship, this book describes an innovative approach to treatment of children and adolescents who won't or can't respond to traditional, conversational-based therapy. As Straus demonstrates in her case examples, no-talk children fit many diagnostic pictures. Ironically, traditional therapy, with its most fundamental purpose of helping children feel better, is painfully uncomfortable for no-talk children and adolescents. For these children, therapists need an entirely new clinical language, one that does not depend on words. Within an interpersonal and developmental framework, Straus spells out the simple goals of no-talk therapy: someone to be close to, and something to be proud of. Through empathy and respect, games, activities, community involvement, a circle of adults, and little pleasures, this approach begins to provide these anxious, sullen, enraged, and confused kids with the self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-awareness to develop a voice of their own. Going beyond other methods, no-talk therapy emphasizes individual connection, competence, and creativity. Straus opens for readers a grab bag of gimmicks, gadgets, and games from which to draw resources appropriate to every no-talk occasion.

COPYRIGHT 1999 Libra Publishers, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group